How to coach players on receiving in football

What is receiving in football?

Receiving is the moment a player gets possession of the ball. Most often, it’s from a teammate’s pass. But it can also come from a tackle, rebound or a misplaced pass by the opposition.

However it happens, one thing’s certain: receiving is at the heart of the game. Without it, teams can’t work together or keep possession.

What it takes to receive effectively

Receiving and passing go hand in hand. To nail receiving, a player needs more than just good technique. They need a strong connection with the teammate they’re receiving from. Whether it’s a glance, call or hand signal, some form of communication is crucial.

The player then has to be prepared to receive it. This starts with being aware of what’s happening on the pitch, known as scanning:

• Where’s the ball travelling from and where’s it going?
• Who’s playing the pass?
• Where’s the defender?
• Where are my teammates moving?
• What space can I use?

Then comes movement. The receiving player must create a good angle to receive the pass. They need to get in position to play forward. This all requires precise timing. And don’t forget deception. Being blindside of the defender can give a critical advantage.

So while receiving might seem simple, a lot’s going on under the surface. This skill uses all of the core capabilities: scanning, timing, movement, positioning, deception and technique. It goes far beyond the feel of the ball at your feet.

Designing your training sessions to work on receiving

When coaching your team on receiving, it’s not just about what players do with the ball. It’s also about what’s going on in their heads. A nervous player might hesitate to call for the ball or shy away from taking possession in case they lose it.

That’s why it’s vital to watch out for players who lack confidence and give a bit of extra support. Create a learning environment where risks are welcomed and mistakes are just part of the journey.

With that in mind, here are three top tips for designing training sessions that build great receiving skills:

Use small-sided games

For repetition of receiving in game-realistic scenarios, small-sided games are hard to beat. 2v2 or 3v3 formats provide endless chances to receive from different angles, at varying paces and in a range of areas. Build confidence with positive reinforcement. And encourage reflection by asking why players made certain decisions on the pitch.

Focus on preparation

Most of the work in receiving goes in before a player even touches the ball. Match that in your sessions by encouraging players to think ahead. Get them to scan the pitch and plan their next move. Ask questions like: How will you move to meet the ball? Where are you receiving the ball on the pitch? Are you receiving under pressure or not? Could you use deception? How should you position your body to see more of the pitch?

Work on two-player connections

Great receiving is built on connection. So, emphasise the importance of communication. Encourage a well-timed look, gesture or shout to say, “I’m ready.” Help players learn each other’s receiving preferences. And encourage off-pitch bonding to build trust on the field.